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Workload of Keuchel, others being monitored

8/26/14: Dallas Keuchel pitches seven superb frames against the A's, allowing just one earned run on five hits while striking out three

By Brian McTaggart
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MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- Manager Bo Porter said that as the calendar flips to September, the club plans to monitor the workload of some of its pitchers, including ace lefty Dallas Keuchel. Keuchel has pitched 171 1/3 innings this season, which is just shy of the career-high 177 2/3 he threw combined in 2012 between the Major Leagues and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

"You look at his workload and the number of innings he's thrown this year, and it's something we definitely need to keep an eye on," Porter said.

The team has several starters at Oklahoma City who could come up to take some innings, a group that includes Nick Tropeano, Rudy Owens, Asher Wojciechowski and Alex White. Wojciechowski and White are coming off injuries, so that could affect whether the club sees them as viable promotion candidates.

"There are some numbers ... we're going to play close attention to, but at the same time, you watch the players, and your eyes let you know what it is you may need to do one way or another," Porter said. "We'll take all the information we have and make the best decision for each player. We'll take it case by case for each guy."

Brett Oberholtzer has also handled a larger workload this season, throwing a combined 147 2/3 innings between Triple-A and the Majors. Rookie Mike Foltynewicz has thrown only 112 1/3 innings combined, but he's being used in relief, so his workload will be easier to monitor.